Nigeria has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative, allowing its citizens to democratically select an astronaut to represent the nation in space. The Space Exploration & Research Agency (SERA) unveiled this program, which gives Nigerians a chance to compete for a seat on an upcoming Blue Origin mission. According to Joshua Skurla, SERA co-founder, “Nigeria’s seat means someone from any background can represent their nation in space based on community choice.” The program is open to all Nigerians, regardless of their background or academic credentials. Applicants will complete challenges to earn “SpaceDust” points and compete for Nigeria’s guaranteed seat through a…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The Lagos State Government has faulted comments made by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, regarding the demolition of structures at the Trade Fair Complex. According to Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Obi’s remarks were misleading and unfair. “Obi, while trying to whip up sentiment, sought to misinform the public by claiming the demolished buildings had approvals. This is simply not true,” Omotoso stated. Omotoso clarified that the affected structures lacked valid approvals, and their owners ignored multiple opportunities to regularize their documents. In 2023, the state government declared a general amnesty for owners of unapproved…
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and plans to sell the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd)’s equity in high-performing joint ventures. According to Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, this move could endanger Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and long-term stability. Abdullahi stated that the proposals form part of a deliberate effort to hollow out NNPC Limited, dismantle institutional checks and balances, and pave the way for the fire-sale of Nigeria’s most valuable national assets to private, politically connected interests. “If we sell…
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has condoled with the Chairman of Arise Television, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, the management and staff on the demise of one of its staff, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, during a robbery incident at her Abuja residence. Makinde described Maduagwu’s death as unfortunate and a loss to the nation. “Somtochukwu was a thoroughbred professional who brought her best to the screen every time she was on air. Her death is unfortunate because she obviously still had much to offer the media world and the country as a whole,” he said. The governor urged her colleagues and relations to take…
The Trump administration is nearing a deal with Harvard University worth $500 million, where the prestigious institution would operate trade schools, teaching skills like AI and other technical areas. According to President Donald Trump, “They’ll be paying about $500 million and they’ll be operating trade schools. They’re going to be teaching people how to do AI and lots of other things, engines, lots of things.” This development marks the latest twist in Trump’s unprecedented crackdown on Harvard over claims of anti-Semitism and bias. Harvard University has denied these allegations, saying the federal government is focused on controlling its hiring, admissions,…
The US Supreme Court has blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to immediately fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, allowing her to remain in office until the case is heard in January 2026. The court’s decision effectively deferred the request for her removal “pending oral argument”. This move is seen as a rare instance of pushback by the conservative-dominated court, which has been deferential to the current administration. The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for the Federal Reserve’s autonomy and the balance of power within the US government. Cook was nominated to the Fed’s governing board by former President Joe…
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech, describing it as divisive and hate filled. IPOB accused Tinubu of recklessly and falsely linking the group with Boko Haram while exonerating ISWAP, Al Qaeda in the Maghreb, and Lakaruwa. According to IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, Tinubu’s speech was a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the group’s activities and criminalize the Igbo nation. “We state categorically that IPOB is not Boko Haram, not ISWAP, not Al Qaeda. We are a people struggling for our survival in the face of state sponsored genocide,” IPOB said.…
On October 1, 2025, Meta Platforms announced that it will begin using artificial intelligence chats to personalise advertisements and content across its platforms. The move is designed to help brands connect more effectively with users while making feeds more relevant to individual interests. The company confirmed that the update will take effect globally on December 16, 2025, with user notifications beginning on October 7. Conversations with Meta’s AI assistant, whether through text or voice, will now be considered in the system that determines what ads and posts appear on user feeds. “People’s interactions simply are going to be another piece…
On Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on the federal government to urgently address the country’s worsening security challenges. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said insecurity remains the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s growth and must be given top priority. “Insecurity is the biggest threat to our unity and development as a nation. Without safety, there can be no real progress,” Archbishop Okoh declared in a statement issued today. He warned that Nigerians can no longer afford to live under constant fear of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism. The CAN leader reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence,…
Nigerian Fuji legend, Adewale Ayuba, has firmly denied reports circulating about an alleged divorce from his wife and a supposed paternity dispute. The veteran singer described the claims as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image after decades of building a respected career. Speaking through a statement, Ayuba clarified that he remains happily married and has no issues concerning the legitimacy of his children. He stressed that such stories are not only baseless but also deeply hurtful to his family, who have stood by him throughout his journey in music. The artist further urged the public and…
Gold prices have skyrocketed to a record high, driven by investor demand for safe-haven assets after the US government shutdown. Spot gold climbed to $3,875.53 per ounce, fueled by worries about the shutdown and a weaker dollar. According to Michael Brown from Pepperstone, “I remain strongly of the view that (investors) should continue to look through the political noise as, in the grand scheme of things, the expiration of federal funding doesn’t make especially much difference.” The shutdown has led to increased uncertainty, driving investors to safe-haven assets like gold. The US government shutdown could delay the release of key…
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced the resumption of passenger train services on the Abuja Kaduna corridor, effective October 1, 2025. This decision follows the successful completion of comprehensive safety, technical, and operational checks on the route. According to Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations Officer of NRC, “The Corporation deeply appreciates the patience, cooperation, and understanding of passengers during the suspension period. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver safe, affordable, and efficient rail transportation that supports national connectivity and economic growth.” The NRC has prioritized passenger welfare, particularly in light of the August 26, 2025 incident. Out of…